Gracehill House was built circa 1775 by James Stuart and named in honour of his wife, Grace Lynd. The house was originally set within an extensive private estate. The house later developed a strong sense of grandeur, with the centerpiece of the estate being the magnificent avenue of 150 beech trees leading to the Georgian mansion. Although the avenue is no longer part of the Gracehill estate, it has become world-famous as the Dark Hedges.